Does your laminate flooring contain formaldehyde?
Laminate flooring is made using adhesives and that is why it releases formaldehyde gas, which could be toxic to you, kids, and even pets. Most laminate products off-gas for about 10 years but some brands have a very low level of the toxic gas that is considered safe for flooring.
How to test laminate floor for formaldehyde?
- The total cost of analysis is $575.00
- Collect a sample of the suspect flooring (samples must be at least 3″ by 3″).
- Place sample into a sealed zip-top bag
- Print your name, phone number, address, and email address on a paper that will be included with the shipment
Is flooring laminate cheaper than real wood?
Laminate flooring is made from cheaper products so cheaper in price than real wood flooring. The price can often be reflected in the quality of the flooring. If you are on a tight budget and cannot afford real wood, then laminate can be a good alternative.
Is laminate flooring better than carpet?
Laminate flooring is likely to last much longer than carpet, as it is scratch-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. More expensive laminate flooring is often a better investment, though carpet provides a cheaper option should users wish to renovate more frequently. About Us
How do I know if my laminate floor has formaldehyde?
How can I determine if the formaldehyde levels emitted from my laminate flooring product meet EPA's regulatory standards for composite wood products? If you wish to have a sample of your floor tested, you can contact a laboratory that has experience in this type of testing.
How long does laminate flooring emit formaldehyde?
Laminate flooring is made using adhesives and that is why it releases formaldehyde gas, which could be toxic to you, kids, and even pets. Most laminate products off-gas for about 10 years but some brands have a very low level of the toxic gas that is considered safe for flooring.
What laminate flooring does not contain formaldehyde?
US Floors: Another one of the best laminate flooring options available. US Floors Natural Bamboo, Natural Cork and Coretec Plus floors are third party certified by GreenGuard Gold for ultra low emissions of Formaldehyde. Their adhesive formulas are either low or zero formaldehyde content.
Does laminate flooring cause health issues?
You're not alone. Countless studies show a link between the formaldehyde in laminate flooring and other household products and increased rates of respiratory issues, allergies, asthma, and even certain cancers.
Which is the healthiest flooring for homes?
Healthier FlooringUse solid surface flooring instead of carpet.Choose FSC-certified solid wood.Use natural linoleum or tile made in the U.S.Choose low-VOC finishes and sealants.Look for NAF-certified products.Install without glue; use nail-down or click-lock.Avoid laminate, vinyl flooring and synthetic carpeting.
What is the least toxic flooring?
Solid hardwood flooringSolid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber, which makes it a healthy flooring option.
Which is more toxic vinyl or laminate?
If it is a major concern, a formaldehyde-free laminate product is generally less toxic than vinyl.
Is laminate flooring carcinogenic?
10 that formaldehyde levels in select versions of the company's laminate flooring could cause two to nine cancer cases per 100,000 people. The new estimate is six to 30 cases per 100,000 people, the CDC said Monday.
Does vinyl plank have formaldehyde?
No brand of LVP/LVT or vinyl plank adds formaldehyde.
What are the symptoms of being exposed to formaldehyde?
When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels exceeding 0.1 ppm, some individuals may experience adverse effects such as watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation.
What are the symptoms of formaldehyde poisoning?
Breathing formaldehyde fumes causes watery eyes and burning in the eyes, nose and throat. Other symptoms are skin irritation and rashes, nausea, coughing and chest tightness, an upset stomach and trouble breathing.
What are the long term effects of formaldehyde exposure?
Long term exposure to formaldehyde has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of cancer of the nose and accessory sinuses, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal cancer, and lung cancer in humans.
How long does vinyl plank flooring off gas?
Off gassing is usually extreme in the first 3 to 5 weeks after your vinyl flooring installation. However, factors like ventilation, where the installation is done, and the amount of chemicals emitted can affect how long the smell will last. For indoor floors, the odor may linger longer than on outdoor floors.
What are the symptoms of formaldehyde poisoning?
Breathing formaldehyde fumes causes watery eyes and burning in the eyes, nose and throat. Other symptoms are skin irritation and rashes, nausea, coughing and chest tightness, an upset stomach and trouble breathing.
Does laminate flooring emit VOCs?
Laminate floors typically have more VOCs than other floorings due to the adhesives in the process. They are the worst option for a healthy home.
Which is healthier laminate or vinyl?
Laminate flooring has the edge when it comes to overall environmental impact. Laminate reuses some wood byproducts, and some brands also use recycled materials. However, laminate flooring does emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds), while vinyl flooring does not.
What is a Lumber Liquidator test kit?
8. Lumber Liquidators ® is providing test kits for formaldehyde in indoor air to customers who purchased their laminate flooring. In a letter to some of those customers, Lumber Liquidators references a draft EPA toxicological review on formaldehyde to support Lumber Liquidator’s conclusion that the formaldehyde levels in those consumer’s homes were similar to typical levels in other U.S. homes. Does EPA support Lumber Liquidator’s testing program and conclusions?
How much formaldehyde is in laminate flooring?
Formaldehyde is normally present at low levels, usually less than 0.03 parts per million (ppm), in both outdoor and indoor air. The outdoor air in rural areas has lower concentrations while urban areas have higher concentrations (due to sources such as automobile exhaust). Residences or offices that contain products that release formaldehyde into the air can have levels greater than 0.03 ppm. Additionally, formaldehyde levels in indoor air can vary depending on temperature, humidity, and air exchange rate within the indoor space. Formaldehyde levels in a residence may also change with the season, day-to-day, and day-to-night. Levels may be high on a hot and humid day and low on a cool, dry day. Generally as products in the home off-gas formaldehyde over time the levels in the home are reduced. Understanding these factors is important when one is considering how to reduce exposure to formaldehyde in the home.
What to do if you have formaldehyde in your home?
If you or family members are experiencing symptoms that you believe may be related to formaldehyde from laminate flooring or other products in your home you should consult a physician and your state or local health department for assistance.
What flooring is the subject of 60 minutes?
Under the EPA rule, the flooring that was the subject of the 60 Minutes story must be made with composite wood cores or platforms that are certified as compliant with the formaldehyde emission standards.
What is the difference between urban and rural air?
The outdoor air in rural areas has lower concentrations while urban areas have higher concentrations (due to sources such as automobile exhaust). Residences or offices that contain products that release formaldehyde into the air can have levels greater than 0.03 ppm.
Does the EPA test for laminate flooring?
EPA has not taken a position on the Lumber Liquidators® testing program but cautions the public that air testing may not provide useful information due to the uncertainties of home air testing, the lack of widely accepted health based standards for formaldehyde levels in indoor air to compare test results, and because air testing does not provide information on specific sources of formaldehyde, such as laminate flooring.
Can laminate flooring be tested?
However, the standards can provide a benchmark for evaluating formaldehyde emissions from a product and a sample of your laminate wood flooring can be tested. The most common test requires a special testing chamber and there are a limited number of firms that are able to perform this test.
What is laminate made of?
Laminate is made up of multiple layers. It takes adhesive and other products to put them all together. And that’s where other chemicals can creep into the production line and be in the final product you select.
Why laminate?
Laminate is more susceptible to using chemically-laden materials in production because it’s constructed from multiple materials. Laminate flooring is a multilayer product that contains:
What is the best way to choose laminate flooring?
When buying laminate flooring, the best way to make your final selection is to follow guidelines set up by the EPA. Only buy products that are labeled or stamped with compliance from one of the major organizations that check for safety, including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and California Air Resources Board Air Toxics Control Measure (CARB ATCM).
How long does formaldehyde take to break down?
Formaldehyde can be quickly broken down in the air, usually within hours
What happens when you buy flooring based on price?
When you purchase flooring based on price alone, you’re often getting an inferior quality product that was mass produced for selling in large quantities. You’re less likely to know where the material is sourced from, and run a greater chance of having problems with the product at some point in the future.
Do laminates have underlayment?
Some laminates have a built-in underlayment attached for easy installation.
Can formaldehyde cause a reaction?
In general, people won’t show reactions from small amounts of formaldehyde entering their systems. Low exposure may irritate eyes, nose, throat, skin, or airways. Of course, it depends on a person’s sensitivity as to how much of a reaction they have. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions, the very young, and the very old may produce more severe reactions.
What is the chemical in laminate flooring?
The FBI performed a thorough investigation and determined that the laminate flooring sold at the company came from China and contained elevated levels of formaldehyde. This dangerous chemical is linked to a host of health problems, including cancer.
Where does laminate flooring come from?
The FBI performed a thorough investigation and determined that the laminate flooring sold at the company came from China and contained elevated levels of formaldehyde. This dangerous chemical is linked to a host of health problems, including cancer.
How to reduce formaldehyde in home?
Reduce formaldehyde already in the home. Open windows for a few minutes every few days to let in fresh air — unless you have asthma triggered by outdoor air pollution or pollen or you’re concerned about safety. Install and use exhaust fans as much as possible.
How long can you breathe in formaldehyde?
Breathing in formaldehyde at those levels in the house all day long for two years. Note: We chose a two-year time frame because several studies have shown that indoor air concentrations of formaldehyde from new building products usually decrease over time, particularly during the first two years.
How to keep smoke out of home?
Install and use exhaust fans as much as possible. Keep the temperature and humidity inside your home at the lowest comfortable setting. Make your home smoke free. Tobacco smoke contains formaldehyde, so don’t allow anyone to smoke in your home. Choose home products with low or no formaldehyde for future purchases.
Does laminate flooring cause cancer?
However, whenever you are exposed to a cancer-causing chemical, your cancer risk increases. We estimated the increased lifetime risk of cancer based on.
Can formaldehyde go away?
If you’re having symptoms of formaldehyde exposure that go away when you leave your house, professional air testing may be a good idea. When the results come in, you can talk with the professional about what to do next.
Can you smell formaldehyde in your home?
You can still smell strong chemical odors OR. You have symptoms like breathing problems and irritation only when you’re in your home. If you want to test your home, hire a qualified professional who has the training and equipment to test formaldehyde levels in your home.
Does laminate flooring have formaldehyde?
Not all laminate flooring releases high levels of formaldehyde. Also, studies have shown that after several years, formaldehyde released by products installed in the home may decrease to levels typically found in most homes.
What is formaldehyde flooring?
This type of flooring consists of melamine resin and fiberboard materials. The formaldehyde is more tightly bound in melamine formaldehyde. It is formed through subjecting the products to intensely high pressure, heat and binding chemicals and turning them to usable floor coverings.
How laminate flooring is made?
Laminate flooring is one of the most popular and comparatively cheap floors. Its made from wood, paper, and resin bonded together by adhesives. Laminate flooring is known for its low maintenance and stain resistance.
How long does laminate flooring emit gas?
Laminate flooring emits gas for about 10 years. However, formaldehyde emissions decrease over time, making the floor less and less poisonous as it ages. Temperature changes, humidity, space for air circulation, and ventilation affect how much gas the floor releases. Studies have shown that new flooring releases the highest amount ...
What are the effects of melamine?
The chemicals have the following effects: Melamine and cyanuric acid: – can cause irreversible liver damage. Aluminum oxide: – can cause asthma and reduced intelligence. Isocyanates and formaldehyde: – potential carcinogenic. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that gives a pickle-like smell.
What are the health problems caused by laminates?
Below are some of the health problems caused by laminate raw materials: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen according to the US National Toxicology Program. Aluminum oxide causes asthma and known to reduce intelligence. Isocyanate is a potential carcinogen.
Why do laminate floors bend?
Pro tip: High temperatures increase the emissions and even cause laminate floors to expand and bend. You may want to keep your indoors cool especially during the summer season.
What are the factors that affect formaldehyde levels?
Additionally, the formaldehyde emission levels in the indoor air may vary with respect to humidity, temperature, poor ventilation, and exchange rate within the indoor space. Understanding these factors may help reduce the exposure to formaldehyde in your home.
How are laminates made?
Laminate flooring is manufactured by pressing together four layers of materials. A core layer of pressed wood is sandwiched between a bottom balancing layer fiberboard and a pattern layer. This pattern layer is basically a thin printed sheet with images that appear to be natural wood. This pattern layer is covered with a resin layer – typically made of melamine.
How much airborne formaldehyde is toxic?
They found the higher levels were found among manufactured homes. Today, average indoor levels have decreased. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, formaldehyde is often at levels inside of 0.03 parts per million in indoor air.
What about cancer and formaldehyde?
But this must be considered within context. The data is assuming ambient household air in a house floored with formaldehyde laminate.
How much does formaldehyde affect abortion?
They found that increased formaldehyde increased the risk of spontaneous abortion by 76 percent. They also found that abnormal pregnancies increased by 54 percent for formaldehyde-exposed women.
How many times did formaldehyde exposure cause hodgkin leukemia?
This study found that those workers with cumulative exposure to formaldehyde over the years had 3.76 times the Hodgkin leukemia. Those with peak exposures had more than five times the rates of Hodgkin leukemia.
Does laminate flooring cause asthma?
Both the initial and the new report stated clearly that laminate flooring can produce asthma and other respiratory issues. Here is their statement about respiratory issues:
Can formaldehyde cause irritation?
The CDC also discussed that formaldehyde in laminates can produce irritation in the eyes, the nose and the throat: “Exposure to the lowest modeled levels of formaldehyde could result in eye, nose, and throat irritation for anyone”. This statement is qualified by “exposure to the lowest modeled levels.”. Again, the same sampling of ...
Why Choose Pergo/Mohawk?
When you choose Pergo or Mohawk, you get a high-quality product created while keeping longevity at the forefront of their minds. Not to mention, their flooring is gorgeous, thick, and water-resistant, as well as resistant to wear and tear and stains.
What is the difference between Mohawk and Pergo?
Another difference between Mohawk and Pergo is that Mohawk has a larger variety of laminate flooring products to choose from, while Pergo has unique products. Combining the two of these provides some fantastic options for you to choose from for laminate flooring.
How long does traffic master laminate last?
Most decent laminate will last about 25 to 30 years. However, TrafficMaster typically needs to be replaced within the first ten years. If you expect a lot of foot traffic over the area, you will need to replace the flooring within the first two years.
What is the AC4 rating for laminate flooring?
Almost all the laminate between Pergo and Mohawk has an AC4 rating. The rating says that the laminate flooring can withstand traffic in both residential and commercial settings. This type of rating also means that any chances of chips, tears, or scratches are reduced.
How thick should laminate flooring be?
To tell whether laminate is durable, you will want to check the thickness, as it should be between 8 and 12 millimeters.
How long does laminate flooring last?
Additionally, it is exceptionally durable and expected to last upwards of 20 years! This is a deal that you cannot beat. However, this depends on the laminate quality, which is why it is vital that you steer clear ...
What is a UniClic?
UniClic is a locking technology that makes sure that your laminate flooring is fully intact and does not slip. Part of the purpose of this technology is to prevent any moisture from leaking in between the planks. The moisture leakage is what causes warping and other problems, so by including UniClic, this will no longer be an issue.
What kind of flooring is best for formaldehyde?
We have also published Ratings of prefinished solid-wood, vinyl, and tile floors; all are better choices when it comes to formaldehyde emissions.
What is the smell of formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is an ever-present, colorless gas that can give off a pickle-like smell. It has been commonly used in home products for decades, in everything from certain types of wood flooring to detergents, paint, fabric, and even wallpaper.
How to lower formaldehyde levels?
Set indoor temperature and humidity levels to the lowest comfortable levels. Higher temps and humidity levels increase off-gassing. 3. Ban indoor smoking. 4. Forget about using your air purifier. It probably won’t lower formaldehyde levels.
Is prefinished wood less formaldehyde?
The results were striking for what became clear and what remained fuzzy. The prefini shed solid-wood flooring we tested had consistently lower formaldehyde emissions— near or lower than what we think it should be— than the engineered wood and laminate. It’s likely that the glues and resins those products are made with emit formaldehyde. That said, formaldehyde levels varied widely among products and even within samples from the same engineered-wood or laminate plank.
When did the formaldehyde rule take effect?
The standards take effect a year after being published in the Federal Register.
Is formaldehyde a volatile substance?
Formaldehyde is a volatile chemical and will off-gas over time, but our tests show that those rates are variable, too. There are ways to reduce formaldehyde exposure if you have new floors or any other new composite wood product (see “6 Safety Steps,” below).
Can formaldehyde cause asthma?
At even low levels, formaldehyde can irritate eyes, nose, throat, and skin, or trigger an attack in asthma sufferers . And worker exposure to very high levels over many years has been linked to rare nose and throat cancer, and leukemia.
